In early July 2025, Ofgem granted provisional approval for a sweeping £24 billion investment package to overhaul the UK’s gas and electricity networks. About £15 billion will be allocated to maintaining and modernizing gas infrastructure, while £9 billion will fund upgrades to the high-voltage electricity grid. These investments aim to reinforce energy security, integrate record levels of renewable generation, and prepare the grid for the electrification of transport and heating. The plan also sets the stage for connecting approximately 126 gigawatts of new clean energy capacity by 2030—a critical milestone for achieving the country’s decarbonization targets.
Yet the sheer scale and cost of this modernization effort have created a formidable public engagement challenge. Ofgem has cautioned that average household energy bills could rise by around £104 per year by 2031, though regulators project that most of this will be offset by long-term savings from reduced grid constraints and improved efficiency. Consumer advocacy groups and some members of Parliament have voiced concerns that the costs will disproportionately impact lower-income households, particularly in the context of persistently high living expenses. Public trust and political support will hinge on clear, transparent communication that explains how these upgrades will deliver lasting benefits and protect against supply disruptions.
This situation highlights a broader truth about modern infrastructure development: even essential investments require a robust social license to operate. Securing public buy-in demands more than regulatory approval; it requires engagement processes that clearly articulate how costs and benefits will be shared and how accountability will be maintained. Recognizing this, Ofgem has embedded consumer oversight measures, delivery benchmarks, and cost-control provisions into the program. To sustain public confidence, grid operators and policymakers must demonstrate that investments are not only technically sound but also socially legitimate, equitable, and transparent in their execution.